Stream and well water samples from two rural communities in Ekiti State, Nigeria: assessment of physicochemical parameters, bacteriological quality and public health significance

Infectious diseases caused by microorganisms are widespread health risks associated with drinking water. This study evaluated the physicochemical parameters and bacteriological quality of the stream and well water using standard protocols. The bacteria were identified by conventional and molecular methods. Antibiotic susceptibility and location of antibiotic resistance markers (ARMs) were determined using disc diffusion and acridine orange, respectively. The highest mean Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Counts (THBC), Total Coliform Counts (TCC) and Faecal Coliform Counts (FCC) from the stream water was 4.3 ± 0.3×106, 8.9 ± 0.0×105, and 3.5 ± 0.1×104 (CFU mL-1), respectively. The well water had mean TCC ranging between 2.8 ± 0.0×103 and 2.1 ± 0.1×104 (CFU mL-1). Six bacterial genera: Staphyloccocus, Pseudomonas, Escherichia, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Shigella were isolated. The mean temperature of the water ranged from 26.0 ± 0.3oC to 27.0 ± 0.1oC. The highest mean dissolved oxygen, total hardness, sulphate and magnesium was 24.0 ± 1.0, 40.1 ± 0.8, 11.0± 1.0, and 67.0 ± 1.5 (mg L-1), respectively. The results showed that ≥ 66.7 S. aureus were Levofloxacin and Streptomycin sensitive; between 45.5 and 68.1% of the isolates were Gentamycin and Chloramphenicol resistant, while 81.8% exhibited multidrug resistance. Escherichia coli EcSW3, E. aerogenes EeWW2, K. pneumoniae KpSW3, and S. aureus SaSW had their entire ARMs located on the plasmids with the molecular sizes ˂ 2.027 Kbp. This study showed that the stream and well water harboured bacteria with some ARMs on plasmids, indicating the possibility of horizontal transfer of antibiotic-resistant genes among the bacteria. In addition, it showed the necessity to enlighten the rural populace on the importance of cleaning the surroundings near water sources so as to prevent water-borne diseases.(AU)

Canine ringworm caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes - detection by SYBR-Green real-time PCR

Background: Dermatophytes, fungi of universal distribution, invade semi or fully keratinized structures, such as skin, fur/ hair and nails. The various species of dermatophytes are classified into three genera anamorphic: Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton. The genus Epidermophyton includes only E. floccosum, that rarely affects animals. The main species responsible for the disease in dogs and cats are Microsporum canis, M. gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, which were characterized through conventional mycological methodology (microscopic examination with KOH and culture). Molecular methodologies, such as real-time PCR, can contribute to a rapid laboratory diagnosis, helping clinicians to initiate an early antifungal treatment. This case report describes a case of canine dermatophytosis due to Trichophyton mentagrophytes detected from a clinical sample by SYBR-Green real-time PCR. Case: A 8-year-old dog, rescued from the street, was referred to a private veterinary clinic in the city of Canoas, RS, Brazil, presenting generalized lymphadenomegaly, crusted lesions all over the body, generalized alopecia, signs of excoriation and epistaxis. Initially, were administered prednisone [1 mg/kg every 48 h, BID] and cephalexin [30 mg/kg, BID]. Weekly baths with benzoyl peroxide were also given. The therapy was not clinically successful. Wood's Lamp Test was negative. As a differential diagnosis, PCR for detection of Leishmania was negative. Complete blood count and serum biochemical assay were also performed. For mycological diagnosis, hair specimen was clarified and examined microscopically using 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) for the visualization of chains of arthroconidia (ectothrix invasion of hair). The infected hair was plated onto MycoselTM Agar, incubated at 28°C for 15 days. Microscopy of hyphae/ conidia and macroscopic colony characteristics (colors and texture) were conducted for the differentiation of the species within the genus Microsporum and Trichophyton. In addition, real-time PCR was applied for direct analysis of the fungal DNA obtained from the hair sample. Microscopic examination was negative. The dermatophyte present in the hair sample was confirmed as Trichophyton mentagrophytes by culture and qPCR (melting-point analysis). The patient was treated with systemic itraconazole [10 mg/ kg SID - 90 days]. Twice-weekly application of 2.5 % miconazole and 2% chlorhexidine shampoo until complete cure. Discussion: Dermatophytosis is often listed as self-limiting infection; however, animal dermatophytosis can spread between pets, as well as a zoonotic transmission to humans. The literature on dermatophytosis indicates that Microsporum canis is the predominant etiological agent, followed by M. gypseum. Trichophyon mentagrophytes that appear in a lower percentage of isolation. The culture of hair, even with specific medium containing chloramphenicol and cyclohexamide, may present contaminating fungi, not related to dermatophytosis, which can inhibit or override the growth of dermatophytes. The use of real-time PCR provided a faster and specific diagnosis of dermatophytosis when compared to the conventional mycological methodology for detection and identification of T. mentagrophytes, which takes around 10 to 15 days for culture. It is possible to use this technique as an alternative diagnosis for dermatophytes associated to clinical hair samples of dogs.

Susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos de bactérias isoladas de leite caprino em Sergipe - Brasil / Antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria isolated from goat milk in Sergipe - Brazil

Background: Bacterial resistance is a fundamental aspect of One Health, which is defined as the inseparable unity of animal, human, and environmental health. Epidemiological surveillance on the spread of bacterial resistance in animals and their derived products is essential given that meat, milk, and dairy products can carry resistant microorganisms that may reach humans through the food chain either by direct consumption or by handling the product. To eliminate the scarcity of information, it is necessary to characterize the epidemiological situation in terms of bacterial resistance in dairy production in northeastern Brazil. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the frequency and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of bacteria isolated from goat milk samples from some municipalities in the Brazilian state of Sergipe. Materials, Methods & Results: The study included 28 goat farms in 4 municipalities of the Semiarid region of the State of Sergipe in Northeastern Brazil, namely Canindé de São Francisco (n = 11), Nossa Senhora da Glória (n = 6), Poço Verde (n = 6), and Porto da Folha (n = 5). All lactating does of each herd (n = 263) aged >1 year were, sampled randomly by non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Milk samples were collected from both teats, resulting in 526 samples in total. Bacterial culturing and isolation were performed, followed by antimicrobial susceptibility profile analysis to the following active principles: amoxicillin with and without clavulanic acid, amikacin, ampicillin with sulbactam, ciprofloxacin, cefalexin, cefalotin, ceftriaxone, chloramphenicol, doxycycline, enrofloxacin, gentamicin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, penicillin G, and tetracycline. A survey form was used to obtain zootechnical information for each farm. Data are described as absolute and relative frequencies. The significance assessment of the differences between herd characteristics and bacterial isolation was performed using Pearson's chi-squared test. Bacterial isolation occurred in 15.4% (81/526) of the samples from 23.2% (61/263) of the goats. Escherichia coli (45.9% = 28/61), Staphylococcus caprae (16.4% = 10/61) and Enterococcus faecalis (11.5% = 7/61), were the most frequently isolated species. Bacterial isolations were predominant in dairy herds with up to 50 animals, production of 20 to 50 L/day and in the municipality of Porto da Folha. In terms of antimicrobial susceptibility, most isolates demonstrated resistance to penicillin and amoxicillin (88.5%), followed by ceftriaxone (23%), ofloxacin (23%), tetracycline (23%), doxycycline (19.7%), chloramphenicol (11.5%), levofloxacin (11.5%), ampicillin/ sulbactam (8.2%), amikacin (6.6%), cephalothin (4.9%), cephalexin (3.3%) and gentamicin (3.3%). Approximately 20% of the isolates were multidrug resistant, especially E. coli (50%) and S. aureus (16.7%). Discussion: E. coli was the most frequently isolated species from the samples. It is considered an environmental pathogen, and its high frequency in different herds indicates poor milking hygiene. E. coli also stood out as the species presenting the most multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates (50%), with strains resistant to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, quinolones, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol. Coagulase-negative staphylococci are recognized as a public health problem as they are etiological agents of various diseases and can easily acquire antimicrobial resistance genes. Although it was not the most frequently isolated species, S. aureus was the species with the second-highest frequency of MDR strains. The presence of MDR species is relevant and indicates the need for urgent action to reduce the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. Relevant steps must be taken jointly by professionals involved in human, animal, and environmental health.

Isolation and antimicrobial resistance of coagulase-negative staphylococci recovered from healthy tortoises in Minas Gerais, Brazil / Isolamento e resistência aos antimicrobianos de estafilococos coagulase negativos recuperados de jabutis saudáveis em Minas Gerais, Brasil

In the last few decades, there has been a global increase in the adoption of reptiles as companion animals, mainly turtles and tortoises. Considering the popularity of reptiles as pets in Brazil, and a notable lack of data about potentially pathogenic staphylococci in these animals, this study isolated and evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of staphylococcal species from healthy tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) in Brazil. During a 12-month period (February 2019 to February 2020), cloacal swabs from 66 healthy tortoises were collected at the Wild Animals Screening Center in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The swabs were plated onto mannitol salt agar for staphylococci isolation, and species identification was performed using MALDI-TOF MS. Antimicrobial susceptibility was investigated using the disk diffusion method, and the presence of the mecA gene was investigated by PCR to detect methicillin resistance. Of the tested animals, 72.7% were positive for staphylococcal isolation. All isolates were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), and Staphylococcus sciuri (81.3%), and S. xylosus (12.5%) were the most frequently isolated species. The majority of the isolates (56%) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent. A high frequency of resistance was observed for penicillin (35.5%) and tetracycline (29.1 %). All strains were susceptible to cefoxitin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and gentamicin. All isolates were negative for the mecA gene. The present work suggests that healthy tortoises are mainly colonized by CoNS, especially S. sciuri. Half of the isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial, raising questions regarding the possible role of these animals as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance genes.

Nas últimas décadas, houve um aumento global na adoção de répteis como animais de companhia, principalmente tartarugas e jabutis. Considerando a popularidade dos répteis como animais de estimação no Brasil e a notável falta de dados sobre estafilococos potencialmente patogênicos nesses animais, o objetivo deste estudo foi isolar e avaliar a susceptibilidade antimicrobiana de espécies estafilocócicas de jabutis (Chelonoidis carbonaria) saudáveis no Brasil. Durante um período de 12 meses (fevereiro de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020), suabes cloacais de 66 jabutis saudáveis foram coletados no Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Os suabes foram plaqueados em ágar manitol salgado para isolamento de estafilococos e a identificação das espécies foi realizada usando MALDI-TOF MS. A susceptibilidade aos antimicrobianos foi investigada pelo método de difusão em disco, e a presença do gene mecA foi investigada por PCR para detectar resistência à meticilina. Dos animais testados, 72,7% foram positivos para o isolamento estafilocócico. Todos os isolados eram estafilococos coagulase-negativos (CoNS), sendo Staphylococcus sciuri (81,3%) e S. xylosus (12,5%) as espécies mais frequentemente isoladas. A maioria dos isolados (56%) foi resistente a pelo menos um antimicrobiano. Alta frequência de resistência foi observada para penicilina (35,5%) e tetraciclina (29,1%). Todas as estirpes foram sensíveis à cefoxitina, cloranfenicol, ciprofloxacina, eritromicina e gentamicina. Todos os isolados foram negativos para o gene mecA. O presente trabalho sugere que jabutis saudáveis são colonizados principalmente por CoNS, especialmente S. sciuri. Metade dos isolados foram resistentes a pelo menos um antimicrobiano, levantando questões sobre o possível papel desses animais como reservatórios de genes de resistência aos antimicrobianos.

Coloboma eyelid in cats - treatment with carbon dioxide cryosurgery

Background: Eyelid colobomas are congenital and developmental disorders. Generally, they affect the temporal portion of the upper eyelids of cats, bilaterally. This ocular defect is accompanied by trichiasis associated with pain and ulcerative keratitis. Any breed can be affected and it has been reported in Domestic Shorthair, Persian, Burmese, Mongrel cats and captive felids. The objective of this case report is to describe the technique of dioxide carbon cryosurgery for the treatment of eyelid coloboma in felines. Cases: Seven mongrel cats (14 eyes) with bilateral eyelid coloboma were included in this study, 5 females and 2 males, with a median age of 5 months (range 6-8 months). The patients presented with blepharospasm, bilateral mucopurulent ocular discharge and eyelid coloboma extension of 30-50% in the upper eyelid, resulting in severe trichiasis of both eyes. In 5 cats, 1 or both eyes were diagnosed with keratitis and superficial corneal ulcers. Surgical treatment with general anaesthesia was applied. The pre anaesthesia protocol included acepromazine 0.05 mg/kg with methadone 0.2 mg/kg, followed by intravenous propofol and maintenance with isoflurane and oxygen. An ophthalmological cryocautery unit was utilised with carbon dioxide as the cryogenic agent and a retinal cryoprobe of 3.2 mm diameter tip, reaching -50ºC for the procedure. The method used was a double cycle of freezing and thawing for 60 s in the margins of eyelid agenesis. Epilation of hairs was made after freezing with eyelash tweezers. Immediately after the surgical procedure, an Elizabethan collar was placed to safeguard the area and anti-inflammatory therapy with meloxicam 0.1 mg/kg once daily for 3 days was prescribed. Antibiotic ointment every 6 h (chloramphenicol and associations) was also prescribed for topical application. Two weeks post-operatively, hyperaemia, oedema and skin wounds at the margins were observed. After 30 days these clinical signs were minimal. No signs of pain were observed post-operatively. The follow-up was 90 days and the trichiasis was resolved in all cats. Discussion: Usually, young cats are affected with eyelid colobomas. The age of the patients in this study was between 6-8 months. Eyelid colobomas are repaired with a variety of blepharoplastic procedures and the choice depends on the size and position of the defect. Generally, larger defects require more extensive reconstructive procedures. All techniques can have post-operative complications. Suture dehiscence, skin flap necrosis and facial deformation can occur with traditional surgical techniques. Furthermore, posterior hair growth in the margins can lead to new trichiasis. Cryosurgery was chosen and performed as the temperature of -20°C is sufficient to destroy hair follicles, without surgical incisions, avoiding scar formation. Hence, sutures are not necessary in cryosurgery procedures. Carbon dioxide is a good cryogenic agent for the purpose of this procedure. In the cases described, no recurrence of hair growth was observed in the follow-up period of 90 days. Nevertheless, a good aesthetic appearance was maintained. Therefore, the use of carbon dioxide cryosurgery is an effective and safe alternative for treatment of eyelid coloboma in cats. To our knowledge, no paper has described the use of carbon dioxide cryosurgery for the correction of palpebral agenesis in felines and other species as a single treatment. This technique is easy to perform, has good aesthetic and functional results and can be considered a treatment option for this congenital condition.

Eletrocussão em Preguiça-real (Choloepus didactylus) - abordagem clínica e cirúrgica / Electrocution in a sloth (Choloepus didactylus) - clinical and surgical approach

Background: High voltage electric shock causes serious injury to the body, which can lead to a fatal condition. Sloths are commonly the target of this type of accident and factors such as the degree of tissue impairment and late medical care can contribute to the death of the animal or the indication of euthanasia. In this way, the present study aims to describe the treatment strategies in Choloepus didactylus victim of high voltage electrocution. Case: A female sloth weighing 6.15 kg was treated at the Wild Animals Sector of the Veterinary Hospital (HV-SAS) of the Federal University of Pará (UFPA) victim of high voltage electric shock with burn on the right side face, stomatitis, glossitis, lesions extensive and bullous lesions in the thoracic and pelvic limbs, in addition to an open fracture in the radioulnar joint of the left limb with signs of necrosis. After patient stabilization (fluid therapy, antibiotic therapy, pain control, cleaning and wound dressing), the patient was transfered to the impatient room. The main treatment strategies adopted were surgery, drug therapy, food and occupational therapy. The day after the patient's arrival, the amputation of the left thoracic limb was performed. On the third day of hospitalization, the right thoracic and pelvic limbs were also amputated, and on the tenth day, debridement of the right lateral face was performed. As for drug therapy, the following drugs were used postoperatively: ceftriaxone (40 mg/kg, BID, for 47 days), dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg, BID, for 4 days), silymarin (15 mg/kg, BID, for 30 days), morphine (0.4 mg/kg, BID, for 14 days; 0.8 mg/kg, SID, for 22 days) and dressing wounds on the lateral face and surgical stumps with ointment of collagenase with chloramphenicol. In food management, the animal had good acceptance of a mixture of fruits, vegetables and animal protein in a pasty presentation. The treatment by occupational therapy included basic care such as exercising, sunbathing, and desensitizing the surgical stumps (massage therapy). In conclusion, after five months, the therapeutic protocol implemented resulted in the clinical improvement of the animal, as it allowed the complete healing of the lesions on the face and surgical stumps. In addition, the care taken with the surgical stumps allowed the animal to use them as support for its locomotion. Discussion: Amputation and debridement surgeries were effective in treating electrocuted patients and should be considered when tissue is compromised, which justifies the surgical protocol adopted in this study. They were based on reports in humans, since in wild animals, although many are victims of this type of trauma, little is known about the appropriate therapeutic approach for each species. Surgical interventions associated with the antibiotic ceftriaxone were efficient for controlling the infection, since this antibiotic has a broad spectrum of activity, being used mainly in skin and soft tissue and/or bone infections, which justified its use in that patient. As for nutritional therapy, supplementation with animal protein may have contributed to the clinical improvement of the animal, since they are excellent components for tissue recovery in patients who suffered losses from burns caused by electric shocks. Stump desensitization is indicated as a treatment for neuropathic pain in amputees, and in the present study, it was essential for the animal to use the limb for locomotion. The exercises in a grassy area associated with sunbathing added as a stimulus to the patient's movement.

Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella spp and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from beef sold in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil / Suscetibilidade antimicrobiana de Salmonella spp e Staphylococcus aureus isolados de carnes bovinas comercializadas em Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

Hygiene failures in meat can be identified based on the evaluation of pathogenic microorganisms, which compromise the microbiological quality of food and can transmit food-borne diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hygienic quality of beef sold at supermarkets, butcher shops and public markets in the city of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, through the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Salmonella spp. and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) as well as the investigation and quantification of Staphylococcus aureus. Seventy-one samples of beef from 17 commercial establishments were evaluated. Isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using the disk diffusion method recommended by the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute. Salmonella was found in 7.04% of the samples and 70.0% of the isolates were sensitive to the antimicrobials tested. A total of 25.35% of the samples were positive for Staphylococcus aureus, with counts ranging from 1.0 x 102 to 4.3 x 104 CFU/g; these isolates exhibited resistance to penicillin (87.5%), tetracycline (18.75%) and chloramphenicol (6.25%). None of the samples was positive for STEC. The detection of these pathogens in food poses a danger to public health, mainly due to the presence of antimicrobial-resistant isolates. These findings underscore the need for good hygiene and manufacturing practices at retail establishments.

As falhas na qualidade higiênico-sanitária da carne podem ser identificadas a partir da avaliação de microrganismos patogênicos que comprometem a qualidade microbiológica do alimento e podem veicular doenças de origem alimentar. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a qualidade higiênica-sanitária de carnes bovinas comercializadas em supermercados, açougues e mercados públicos da cidade de Campo Grande (Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil) por meio da pesquisa e caracterização fenotípica e genotípica de Salmonella spp. e Escherichia coli produtora de toxina Shiga (STEC) e pesquisa e contagem de Staphylococcus aureus. Foram avaliadas 71 amostras de carne bovina de 17 estabelecimentos comerciais que foram submetidas a pesquisa de detecção de Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli produtora de toxina Shiga (STEC) e pesquisa e contagem de Staphylococcus aureus. Os isolados obtidos foram submetidos ao perfil de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos pelo teste de difusão em disco, de acordo com o Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Constatou-se a presença de Salmonella em 7,04% das amostras avaliadas, sendo que 70,0% dos isolados foram sensíveis aos antimicrobianos testados. Em relação ao Staphylococcus aureus, 25,35% das amostras foram positivas com contagens variando entre 1,0 x 102 a 4,3 x 104 UFC/g, sendo que os isolados apresentaram resistência para penicilina (62,5%), tetraciclina (18,75%) e cloranfenicol (6,25%). Nenhuma amostra apresentou-se positiva para STEC. A detecção desses patógenos em alimentos representa um perigo a saúde pública, principalmente, devido a presença de isolados resistentes a antimicrobianos. Além disso, ressalta-se a necessidade do emprego das boas práticas de higiene e fabricação nos estabelecimentos varejistas.

Biofilm forming antimicrobial-multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus / Multirresistência antimicrobiana de Staphylococcus aureus formadores de biofilme

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main agents isolated from bovine mastitis cases, characterized by lower cure rates compared to other pathogens causing this disease. This phenomenon is mainly explained by the multiresistance acquisition to antimicrobials and the ability of S. aureus to form biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces. In this work 15 samples of S. aureus isolated from the automated milking facility were analyzed regarding the resistance profile to antimicrobials, virulence factors (capsule production, hemolysin, and protease) and adhesion capacity under different temperatures (42±1°C, 36±1°C, 25±1°C, 9±1°C, and 3±1°C). All isolates showed methicillin-resistant (MRSA) characteristics and multidrug resistance profile to the antimicrobials tested (penicillin G, chloramphenicol, oxacillin, cephalexin, tetracycline, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, sulfa + trimetropim, gentamicin, doxycycline, ceftiofur, neomycin, and vancomycin) with an IRMA index between 0.5 and 1.0. Five isolates were resistant to vancomycin (VRSA), two were resistant to all active principles, and the others to at least six of these drugs. Adhesion capacity and biofilm formation were found in 3 of the 5 evaluated temperatures, including the cooling conditions. Regarding the virulence factors, 86.7% of the isolates formed capsules, 60% revealed the presence of protease, 26.7% expressed the α-hemolysin factor, and 13.3% of them presented β-hemolysin. The fact that all isolates presented MRSA characteristics represents a potential risk to those exposed to this agent, and the formation of biofilm in liners even after the use of detergents and sanitization highlights the urgency of searching for alternatives for dispersion of the biofilm by S. aureusin the automated milking facility.

O Staphylococcus aureus é um dos principais agentes isolados de casos de mastite bovina, caracterizado por menores taxas de cura em comparação com outros patógenos desta enfermidade. Esse fenômeno é explicado principal-mente pela aquisição de resistência à antimicrobianos e a capacidade do S. aureus formar biofilmes em superficies bióti-cas e abióticas. Neste trabalho foram utilizadas 15 amostras de S. aureus isolados de ordenhadeira, analisados quanto ao perfil de resistência à antimicrobianos, fatores de virulência (produção de cápsula, hemolisina e protease) e capacidade de adesão sob diferentes temperaturas (42±1°C, 36±1°C, 25±1ºC, 9±1ºC e 3±1ºC). Todos os isolados apresentaram perfil de multirresistência aos antimicrobianos testados (penicilina G, cloranfenicol, oxacilina, cefalexina, tetraciclina, amoxicilina + ácido clavulônico, sulfa + trimetropim, gentamicina, doxiciclina, ceftiofur, neomicina e vancomicina) com índice IRMA entre 0,5 a 1,0. Duas cepas foram resistentes a todos os princípios ativos e as demais a pelo menos seis destes fármacos. Os isolados avaliados apresentaram característica de meticilina-resistentes (MRSA) e destes, 33,34% (5/15) foram resistentes à vancomicina (VRSA). Houve capacidade de adesão e formação de biofilmes em 3 das 5 tem-peraturas avaliadas, incluindo as temperaturas de refrigeração. Em relação aos fatores de virulência, 86,7% dos isolados formaram cápsula, 60% presença de protease, 26,7% expressaram o fator α-hemolisina e 13,3% β-hemolisina. O fato de todos isolados apresentarem característica MRSA representa um risco potencial aos expostos a esse agente. Já a for-mação de biofilmes em teteiras, mesmo após detergência e sanitização, destacam a urgência de alternativas de dispersão de biofilmes no ambiente de ordenha.

Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) mycotic eye infection: reported herd cases in Thi-Qar province, Iraq / Infecção ocular micótica em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis): relato de casos em rebanho na província de Thi-Qar, Iraque

Buffaloes are one of the important farm animals in the south of Iraq and play an essential economical role mainly acting as dairy, meat, and draft animals. This study intended to diagnose buffalo mycotic eye infections in Thi-Qar province/Iraq. Some 250 buffaloes in the herd of 3,700 animals suffered from eye infections from December 2017 to November 2018. Eye swabs were collected from each infected eye of the affected buffaloes of both sexes before treatment. The animals were in different age groups. All samples were transferred to the laboratory in transfer media, and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose (SDA) agar with and without 0.05 g/mL and 0.4 g/mL chloramphenicol and cycloheximide, respectively. Later, the agars were incubated at 25oC and 37oC. The total percentage of eye infection was (6.75%), constituting (49.2%) mycotic infections. The predominant clinical manifestations that appeared on the infected buffaloes were eye inflammation represented by congestion, lacrimation, the opacity of cornea and edema, and reduced productivity of the infected animals. Different fungal isolates were identified from the samples including Aspergillus fumigates, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp., Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., Candida spp., Cladosporium spp., Rhodotorula spp., Mucor spp. and Rhizopus spp. Calves buffaloes below one-year-old were more prone to mycotic infection than one-year-old or more. Additionally, male buffaloes were more susceptible to infection than females. In conclusion, this study isolated various types of fungus from the inflamed eyes of buffaloes. Fungal eye infection and the potential risk factors for fungal keratitis in buffaloes were also investigated. The study also approved the rapid diagnosis of fungi by direct microscopic detection and culture. The author recommends future studies including large numbers of the buffalo herd in Iraq to determine the epidemiology of this condition in the country.(AU)

Os búfalos são um dos animais de fazenda mais importantes no sul do Iraque e desempenham um papel econômico essencial, atuando principalmente na produção de leite, carne e como animal de tração. Este estudo objetivou diagnosticar infecções oculares micóticas em búfalos na província de Thi-Qar, Iraque. 250 búfalos no rebanho de um total de 3700 animais apresentaram infecção ocular durante o período compreendido entre dezembro de 2017 e novembro de 2018. Os esfregaços oculares foram colhidos dos olhos infectados dos búfalos afetados de ambos os sexos antes do tratamento. Os animais estavam em diferentes faixas etárias. Todas as amostras foram transferidas para o laboratório por meio de transferência e cultivadas em Ágar Sabouraud e Dextrose (SDA) com e sem 0,05 g/mL e 0,4 g/mL de cloranfenicol e cicloheximida, respectivamente. Posteriormente, os ágares foram incubados a 25ºC e 37ºC. A porcentagem total de infecção ocular foi de 6,75%, representando 49,2% de infecção micótica. As manifestações clínicas predominantes nos búfalos infectados foram inflamação ocular com congestão, lacrimejamento, opacidade da córnea e edema. Os animais acometidos também apresentaram redução de produtividade. Diferentes isolados de fungos foram identificados a partir das amostras, incluindo Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp., Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., Candida spp., Cladosporium spp., Rhodotorula spp., Mucour spp. e Rizopus spp. Búfalos com menos de um ano de idade foram mais propensos a infecções micóticas do que com um ano ou mais. Além disso, os búfalos machos foram mais suscetíveis a infecção do que as fêmeas. Em conclusão, este estudo registrou o isolamento de vários tipos de fungos em olhos inflamados de búfalos. Além disso, a infecção ocular por fungos e os fatores de risco potenciais para ceratite fúngica em búfalos também foram observados. O estudo também aprovou o diagnóstico rápido de fungos por detecção microscópica direta e cultura. O autor recomenda outro estudo futuro, incluindo um grande número de rebanhos de búfalos no Iraque para determinar a epidemiologia desta condição no país.(AU)

Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) mycotic eye infection: reported herd cases in Thi-Qar province, Iraq / Infecção ocular micótica em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis): relato de casos em rebanho na província de Thi-Qar, Iraque

Buffaloes are one of the important farm animals in the south of Iraq and play an essential economical role mainly acting as dairy, meat, and draft animals. This study intended to diagnose buffalo mycotic eye infections in Thi-Qar province/Iraq. Some 250 buffaloes in the herd of 3,700 animals suffered from eye infections from December 2017 to November 2018. Eye swabs were collected from each infected eye of the affected buffaloes of both sexes before treatment. The animals were in different age groups. All samples were transferred to the laboratory in transfer media, and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose (SDA) agar with and without 0.05 g/mL and 0.4 g/mL chloramphenicol and cycloheximide, respectively. Later, the agars were incubated at 25oC and 37oC. The total percentage of eye infection was (6.75%), constituting (49.2%) mycotic infections. The predominant clinical manifestations that appeared on the infected buffaloes were eye inflammation represented by congestion, lacrimation, the opacity of cornea and edema, and reduced productivity of the infected animals. Different fungal isolates were identified from the samples including Aspergillus fumigates, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp., Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., Candida spp., Cladosporium spp., Rhodotorula spp., Mucor spp. and Rhizopus spp. Calves buffaloes below one-year-old were more prone to mycotic infection than one-year-old or more. Additionally, male buffaloes were more susceptible to infection than females. In conclusion, this study isolated various types of fungus from the inflamed eyes of buffaloes. Fungal eye infection and the potential risk factors for fungal keratitis in buffaloes were also investigated. The study also approved the rapid diagnosis of fungi by direct microscopic detection and culture. The author recommends future studies including large numbers of the buffalo herd in Iraq to determine the epidemiology of this condition in the country.(AU)

Os búfalos são um dos animais de fazenda mais importantes no sul do Iraque e desempenham um papel econômico essencial, atuando principalmente na produção de leite, carne e como animal de tração. Este estudo objetivou diagnosticar infecções oculares micóticas em búfalos na província de Thi-Qar, Iraque. 250 búfalos no rebanho de um total de 3700 animais apresentaram infecção ocular durante o período compreendido entre dezembro de 2017 e novembro de 2018. Os esfregaços oculares foram colhidos dos olhos infectados dos búfalos afetados de ambos os sexos antes do tratamento. Os animais estavam em diferentes faixas etárias. Todas as amostras foram transferidas para o laboratório por meio de transferência e cultivadas em Ágar Sabouraud e Dextrose (SDA) com e sem 0,05 g/mL e 0,4 g/mL de cloranfenicol e cicloheximida, respectivamente. Posteriormente, os ágares foram incubados a 25ºC e 37ºC. A porcentagem total de infecção ocular foi de 6,75%, representando 49,2% de infecção micótica. As manifestações clínicas predominantes nos búfalos infectados foram inflamação ocular com congestão, lacrimejamento, opacidade da córnea e edema. Os animais acometidos também apresentaram redução de produtividade. Diferentes isolados de fungos foram identificados a partir das amostras, incluindo Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp., Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., Candida spp., Cladosporium spp., Rhodotorula spp., Mucour spp. e Rizopus spp. Búfalos com menos de um ano de idade foram mais propensos a infecções micóticas do que com um ano ou mais. Além disso, os búfalos machos foram mais suscetíveis a infecção do que as fêmeas. Em conclusão, este estudo registrou o isolamento de vários tipos de fungos em olhos inflamados de búfalos. Além disso, a infecção ocular por fungos e os fatores de risco potenciais para ceratite fúngica em búfalos também foram observados. O estudo também aprovou o diagnóstico rápido de fungos por detecção microscópica direta e cultura. O autor recomenda outro estudo futuro, incluindo um grande número de rebanhos de búfalos no Iraque para determinar a epidemiologia desta condição no país.(AU)

Biofilm forming antimicrobial-multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus / Multirresistência antimicrobiana de Staphylococcus aureus formadores de biofilme

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main agents isolated from bovine mastitis cases, characterized by lower cure rates compared to other pathogens causing this disease. This phenomenon is mainly explained by the multiresistance acquisition to antimicrobials and the ability of S. aureus to form biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces. In this work 15 samples of S. aureus isolated from the automated milking facility were analyzed regarding the resistance profile to antimicrobials, virulence factors (capsule production, hemolysin, and protease) and adhesion capacity under different temperatures (42±1°C, 36±1°C, 25±1°C, 9±1°C, and 3±1°C). All isolates showed methicillin-resistant (MRSA) characteristics and multidrug resistance profile to the antimicrobials tested (penicillin G, chloramphenicol, oxacillin, cephalexin, tetracycline, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, sulfa + trimetropim, gentamicin, doxycycline, ceftiofur, neomycin, and vancomycin) with an IRMA index between 0.5 and 1.0. Five isolates were resistant to vancomycin (VRSA), two were resistant to all active principles, and the others to at least six of these drugs. Adhesion capacity and biofilm formation were found in 3 of the 5 evaluated temperatures, including the cooling conditions. Regarding the virulence factors, 86.7% of the isolates formed capsules, 60% revealed the presence of protease, 26.7% expressed the α-hemolysin factor, and 13.3% of them presented β-hemolysin. The fact that all isolates presented MRSA characteristics represents a potential risk to those exposed to this agent, and the formation of biofilm in liners even after the use of detergents and sanitization highlights the urgency of searching for alternatives for dispersion of the biofilm by S. aureusin the automated milking facility.(AU)

O Staphylococcus aureus é um dos principais agentes isolados de casos de mastite bovina, caracterizado por menores taxas de cura em comparação com outros patógenos desta enfermidade. Esse fenômeno é explicado principal-mente pela aquisição de resistência à antimicrobianos e a capacidade do S. aureus formar biofilmes em superficies bióti-cas e abióticas. Neste trabalho foram utilizadas 15 amostras de S. aureus isolados de ordenhadeira, analisados quanto ao perfil de resistência à antimicrobianos, fatores de virulência (produção de cápsula, hemolisina e protease) e capacidade de adesão sob diferentes temperaturas (42±1°C, 36±1°C, 25±1ºC, 9±1ºC e 3±1ºC). Todos os isolados apresentaram perfil de multirresistência aos antimicrobianos testados (penicilina G, cloranfenicol, oxacilina, cefalexina, tetraciclina, amoxicilina + ácido clavulônico, sulfa + trimetropim, gentamicina, doxiciclina, ceftiofur, neomicina e vancomicina) com índice IRMA entre 0,5 a 1,0. Duas cepas foram resistentes a todos os princípios ativos e as demais a pelo menos seis destes fármacos. Os isolados avaliados apresentaram característica de meticilina-resistentes (MRSA) e destes, 33,34% (5/15) foram resistentes à vancomicina (VRSA). Houve capacidade de adesão e formação de biofilmes em 3 das 5 tem-peraturas avaliadas, incluindo as temperaturas de refrigeração. Em relação aos fatores de virulência, 86,7% dos isolados formaram cápsula, 60% presença de protease, 26,7% expressaram o fator α-hemolisina e 13,3% β-hemolisina. O fato de todos isolados apresentarem característica MRSA representa um risco potencial aos expostos a esse agente. Já a for-mação de biofilmes em teteiras, mesmo após detergência e sanitização, destacam a urgência de alternativas de dispersão de biofilmes no ambiente de ordenha.(AU)

Avaliação quantitativa e bioatividade de um biofilme perifítico oriundo de piscicultura / Quantitative assessment and bioactivity of a periphytic biofilm from fish farming

Um biofilme perifítico formado em um cultivo de tilápias-do-nilo foi analisado para determinaçãoquantitativa de bactérias e fungos, detecção de substâncias com ação antibacteriana e avaliação de perfis de resistência frente a antibióticos comerciais. Foi empregado o método de contagem padrão em placas por meio da técnica inoculação em profundidade para a quantificação das bactérias heterotróficas cultiváveis (BHC) e a técnica de espalhamento sobre meio de cultura para a de fungos. Investigou-se a produção de substâncias antibacterianas pela comunidade e a susceptibilidade a antibióticos de amplo espectro, ambos por meio da técnica de difusão em ágar.As concentrações de bactérias e fungos cultiváveis na comunidade de perifíton foram, respectivamente, 1,73×106 UFC/mL e 1,45×102 UFC/mL. O biofilme perifítico mostrou ação antibacteriana contra bactéria indicadora Gram positiva. Os antibióticos Cloranfenicol, Tetraciclina e Cefalotina foram eficientes contra os componentes do biofilme. Entretanto, a comunidade apresentou perfil de resistência ao Imipinem. As bactérias são os componentes dominantes no biofilme perifítico em comparação com os fungos contribuindo com a ciclagem de nutrientes e influenciando a qualidade da água de cultivo. O perifíton possui potencial biotecnológico de ação antimicrobiana.(AU)

The objective of this work was to quantitatively analyze the cultivable microbiota in isolated periphyton of tilapia cultivation tanks with later prospecting for bioactive substances produced in the biofilm and resistance to the action of antibiotics. The standard plate counting method using the pour plate technique was used to quantify the cultivable heterotrophic bacteria (CHB) and the spread plate technique for fungi. The production of antimicrobial substances by the community and the susceptibility to broad-spectrum antibiotics were investigated, both through the agar diffusion technique. The periphyton sample showed1.73x106 CFU/mL in relation to the count of total cultivable heterotrophic bacteria and 1.45x102 CFU/mL relative to the density of fungi. The periphytic biofilm showed antibacterial action against Gram-positive bacteria. The antibiotics chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and cephalothin were effective against the biofilm components. However, the community showed a profile of resistance to imipenem. Bacteria are the dominant components in periphytic biofilm compared to fungi, contributing to nutrient cycling and influencing the quality of cultivated water. Periphyton has biotechnological potential for antimicrobial action.(AU)

Avaliação quantitativa e bioatividade de um biofilme perifítico oriundo de piscicultura / Quantitative assessment and bioactivity of a periphytic biofilm from fish farming

Um biofilme perifítico formado em um cultivo de tilápias-do-nilo foi analisado para determinaçãoquantitativa de bactérias e fungos, detecção de substâncias com ação antibacteriana e avaliação de perfis de resistência frente a antibióticos comerciais. Foi empregado o método de contagem padrão em placas por meio da técnica inoculação em profundidade para a quantificação das bactérias heterotróficas cultiváveis (BHC) e a técnica de espalhamento sobre meio de cultura para a de fungos. Investigou-se a produção de substâncias antibacterianas pela comunidade e a susceptibilidade a antibióticos de amplo espectro, ambos por meio da técnica de difusão em ágar.As concentrações de bactérias e fungos cultiváveis na comunidade de perifíton foram, respectivamente, 1,73×106 UFC/mL e 1,45×102 UFC/mL. O biofilme perifítico mostrou ação antibacteriana contra bactéria indicadora Gram positiva. Os antibióticos Cloranfenicol, Tetraciclina e Cefalotina foram eficientes contra os componentes do biofilme. Entretanto, a comunidade apresentou perfil de resistência ao Imipinem. As bactérias são os componentes dominantes no biofilme perifítico em comparação com os fungos contribuindo com a ciclagem de nutrientes e influenciando a qualidade da água de cultivo. O perifíton possui potencial biotecnológico de ação antimicrobiana.

The objective of this work was to quantitatively analyze the cultivable microbiota in isolated periphyton of tilapia cultivation tanks with later prospecting for bioactive substances produced in the biofilm and resistance to the action of antibiotics. The standard plate counting method using the pour plate technique was used to quantify the cultivable heterotrophic bacteria (CHB) and the spread plate technique for fungi. The production of antimicrobial substances by the community and the susceptibility to broad-spectrum antibiotics were investigated, both through the agar diffusion technique. The periphyton sample showed1.73x106 CFU/mL in relation to the count of total cultivable heterotrophic bacteria and 1.45x102 CFU/mL relative to the density of fungi. The periphytic biofilm showed antibacterial action against Gram-positive bacteria. The antibiotics chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and cephalothin were effective against the biofilm components. However, the community showed a profile of resistance to imipenem. Bacteria are the dominant components in periphytic biofilm compared to fungi, contributing to nutrient cycling and influencing the quality of cultivated water. Periphyton has biotechnological potential for antimicrobial action.

Antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Streptococcus agalactiaestrains isolated from bovine mastitis / Perfil de susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos em Streptococcus agalactiae isolados de mastite bovina

Bovine mastitis is the most important disease of dairy herds worldwide. Its main etiologic agents are bacteria, including Streptococcus agalactiae. The importance of this agent in bovine mastitis is because it is highly contagious and has a high impact on the occurrence of clinical mastitis cases and in the increase of the bulk milk somatic cell counts. The dry cow therapy and the treatment of the clinical mastitis cases stand out among the measures to control intramammary infections in cows. However, these strategies require knowledge about the antimicrobial susceptibility of the causal microorganisms. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of 89 S. agalactiae strains isolated from bovine mastitis between the years 2004 and 2008 in dairy herds from Campo das Vertentes region, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The disc diffusion technique was used and the antimicrobials currently used in mastitis therapy were tested. The isolates tested showed 100% susceptibility to chloramphenicol, ceftiofur, cefotaxime, enrofloxacin, and cefquinome. High frequencies of susceptibility (>95%) were also observed for the beta-lactams (penicillin G, ampicillin, and oxacillin), cephalosporins (cephalotin, ceftiofur, cefotaxime, cefoperazone, and cefquinome), florfenicol, gentamicin, lincomycin, nitrofurantoin, and sulfamethoprim. The strains showed high frequencies of resistance to neomycin (15.74%), and tetracycline (21.35%). Multidrug resistance was detected in 2.25% of the tested isolates. The results pointed to variations in the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the studied strains and the importance of the use of the susceptibility tests to determine the correct antimicrobial to be applied in the treatment of bovine mastitis caused by S. agalactiae. The high frequencies of resistance observed to some antimicrobials, such as neomycin and tetracycline, commonly used in the treatment of mastitis and other pathologies, highlighted the need for more judicious use of antimicrobials on dairy farms.(AU)

A mastite é a principal doença de bovinos leiteiros em todo o mundo e tem como principais agentes as bactérias, entre as quais Streptococcus agalactiae. Esse agente se destaca por ser altamente contagioso e pelos reflexos que causa na incidência de casos clínicos e no incremento da contagem de células somáticas do leite do tanque. Para o controle desta enfermidade, destacam-se a terapia de vacas secas e o tratamento de casos clínicos, medidas que requerem o conhecimento do perfil de sensibilidade dos agentes causais aos antimicrobianos. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os perfis de suscetibilidade a antimicrobianos em 89 amostras de S. agalactiae isoladas de casos de mastite bovina em rebanhos da região de Campo das Vertentes, Minas Gerais, no período de 2004 a 2008. A técnica de difusão em discos foi utilizada e os antimicrobianos correntemente empregados na terapia da mastite foram testados. Os testes de suscetibilidade antimicrobiana apontaram 100% de susceptibilidade para cloranfenicol, ceftiofur, cefotaxima, enrofloxacina e cefquimona. Níveis elevados de susceptibilidade (>95%) foram observados para os betalactâmicos, florfenicol, gentamicina, lincomicina, nitrofurantoína e sulfametoprim. Altas frequências de resistência foram observadas para neomicina (15,74%) e tetraciclina (21,35%). Dois isolados multirresistentes (2,25%) foram encontrados. Os resultados apontaram variações nos perfis se suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos na população analisada, indicando a importância do uso do antibiograma para a escolha mais criteriosa dos antibacterianos a serem utilizados para o tratamento da mastite bovina causada por S. agalactiae. As altas frequências de resistência detectadas para alguns dos antimicrobianos comumente utilizados para o tratamento de mastite e outras patologias, tais como a neomicina e a tetraciclina, salientam a necessidade de monitoramento permanente do perfil de suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos e do uso mais criterioso dos mesmos nos rebanhos leiteiros.(AU)

Caseous stomatitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Boa constrictor amarali

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium that belongs to the microbiota of snakes, but it may also be anopportunistic pathogen and contaminate humans through fecal contact, bites, and injuries. In snakes, this microorganismmay present high pathogenicity at certain conditions and have been associated with high morbidity and mortality. Reportsof infection of Boa constrictor by this pathogen are rare. Thus, this study aimed to describe the P. aeruginosa oral infection in a snake specimen (Boa constrictor amarali), approaching the isolation and identification of the infectious agentsinvolved, the antimicrobial sensitivity and resistance, and the therapeutic protocol adopted.Case: A free-living adult female specimen of Boa constrictor amarali (Amaral’s boa), with no described previous history was rescued in an urban area by the Environmental Police. Clinical evaluations showed structures of caseous aspectin the oral cavity, with hyperemia spots in the mucosa. Samples of these lesions were sent for mycological examination,and fungal forms were not found. Samples were collected for isolation and culture. The antimicrobial susceptibility of theisolated microorganisms was determined by the modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. P. aeruginosa was isolatedand showed susceptibility to amikacin, gentamicin, and polymyxin-B; intermediate susceptibility to azithromycin, and ciprofloxacin; and resistance to cephalexin, ceftiofur, chloramphenicol, and enrofloxacin. The treatment consisted of cleaningof the oral cavity, local infiltration of lidocaine for debridement of the caseous area that were later cauterized with iodine.Systemic antibiotic therapy was used, with intramuscular administration of amikacin (5 mg/kg) for the first dose and (2.5mg/kg) for the other doses with intervals of 72 h, and oral administration of metronidazole...

Antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Streptococcus agalactiaestrains isolated from bovine mastitis / Perfil de susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos em Streptococcus agalactiae isolados de mastite bovina

Bovine mastitis is the most important disease of dairy herds worldwide. Its main etiologic agents are bacteria, including Streptococcus agalactiae. The importance of this agent in bovine mastitis is because it is highly contagious and has a high impact on the occurrence of clinical mastitis cases and in the increase of the bulk milk somatic cell counts. The dry cow therapy and the treatment of the clinical mastitis cases stand out among the measures to control intramammary infections in cows. However, these strategies require knowledge about the antimicrobial susceptibility of the causal microorganisms. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of 89 S. agalactiae strains isolated from bovine mastitis between the years 2004 and 2008 in dairy herds from Campo das Vertentes region, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The disc diffusion technique was used and the antimicrobials currently used in mastitis therapy were tested. The isolates tested showed 100% susceptibility to chloramphenicol, ceftiofur, cefotaxime, enrofloxacin, and cefquinome. High frequencies of susceptibility (>95%) were also observed for the beta-lactams (penicillin G, ampicillin, and oxacillin), cephalosporins (cephalotin, ceftiofur, cefotaxime, cefoperazone, and cefquinome), florfenicol, gentamicin, lincomycin, nitrofurantoin, and sulfamethoprim. The strains showed high frequencies of resistance to neomycin (15.74%), and tetracycline (21.35%). Multidrug resistance was detected in 2.25% of the tested isolates. The results pointed to variations in the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the studied strains and the importance of the use of the susceptibility tests to determine the correct antimicrobial to be applied in the treatment of bovine mastitis caused by S. agalactiae. The high frequencies of resistance observed to some antimicrobials, such as neomycin and tetracycline, commonly used in the treatment of mastitis and other pathologies, highlighted the need for more judicious use of antimicrobials on dairy farms.(AU)

A mastite é a principal doença de bovinos leiteiros em todo o mundo e tem como principais agentes as bactérias, entre as quais Streptococcus agalactiae. Esse agente se destaca por ser altamente contagioso e pelos reflexos que causa na incidência de casos clínicos e no incremento da contagem de células somáticas do leite do tanque. Para o controle desta enfermidade, destacam-se a terapia de vacas secas e o tratamento de casos clínicos, medidas que requerem o conhecimento do perfil de sensibilidade dos agentes causais aos antimicrobianos. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os perfis de suscetibilidade a antimicrobianos em 89 amostras de S. agalactiae isoladas de casos de mastite bovina em rebanhos da região de Campo das Vertentes, Minas Gerais, no período de 2004 a 2008. A técnica de difusão em discos foi utilizada e os antimicrobianos correntemente empregados na terapia da mastite foram testados. Os testes de suscetibilidade antimicrobiana apontaram 100% de susceptibilidade para cloranfenicol, ceftiofur, cefotaxima, enrofloxacina e cefquimona. Níveis elevados de susceptibilidade (>95%) foram observados para os betalactâmicos, florfenicol, gentamicina, lincomicina, nitrofurantoína e sulfametoprim. Altas frequências de resistência foram observadas para neomicina (15,74%) e tetraciclina (21,35%). Dois isolados multirresistentes (2,25%) foram encontrados. Os resultados apontaram variações nos perfis se suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos na população analisada, indicando a importância do uso do antibiograma para a escolha mais criteriosa dos antibacterianos a serem utilizados para o tratamento da mastite bovina causada por S. agalactiae. As altas frequências de resistência detectadas para alguns dos antimicrobianos comumente utilizados para o tratamento de mastite e outras patologias, tais como a neomicina e a tetraciclina, salientam a necessidade de monitoramento permanente do perfil de suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos e do uso mais criterioso dos mesmos nos rebanhos leiteiros.(AU)

Caseous stomatitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Boa constrictor amarali

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium that belongs to the microbiota of snakes, but it may also be anopportunistic pathogen and contaminate humans through fecal contact, bites, and injuries. In snakes, this microorganismmay present high pathogenicity at certain conditions and have been associated with high morbidity and mortality. Reportsof infection of Boa constrictor by this pathogen are rare. Thus, this study aimed to describe the P. aeruginosa oral infection in a snake specimen (Boa constrictor amarali), approaching the isolation and identification of the infectious agentsinvolved, the antimicrobial sensitivity and resistance, and the therapeutic protocol adopted.Case: A free-living adult female specimen of Boa constrictor amarali (Amarals boa), with no described previous history was rescued in an urban area by the Environmental Police. Clinical evaluations showed structures of caseous aspectin the oral cavity, with hyperemia spots in the mucosa. Samples of these lesions were sent for mycological examination,and fungal forms were not found. Samples were collected for isolation and culture. The antimicrobial susceptibility of theisolated microorganisms was determined by the modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. P. aeruginosa was isolatedand showed susceptibility to amikacin, gentamicin, and polymyxin-B; intermediate susceptibility to azithromycin, and ciprofloxacin; and resistance to cephalexin, ceftiofur, chloramphenicol, and enrofloxacin. The treatment consisted of cleaningof the oral cavity, local infiltration of lidocaine for debridement of the caseous area that were later cauterized with iodine.Systemic antibiotic therapy was used, with intramuscular administration of amikacin (5 mg/kg) for the first dose and (2.5mg/kg) for the other doses with intervals of 72 h, and oral administration of metronidazole...(AU)

Antibioticoterapia no tratamento de infecções bacterianas do sistema nervoso central de pequenos animais / Antibiotic therapy in the treatment of bacterial infectionsof the small animal central nervous system

Infecções no sistema nervoso central (SNC) são menos prevalentes do que em outros órgãos e o tratamento é desafiador. Entre os fatores que tornam o tratamento de infecções bacterianas complicado nesse tecido, destacam se o fato do mesmo ser envolto pela barreira hematoencefálica, além da dificuldade de obter resultados positivos ao tentar isolar o agente causador por meio de punção de líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR). Objetiva-se, nesse trabalho, documentar documentar os principais antibióticos utilizados para tratar infecções bacterianas no sistema nervoso central e a interação com a barreira hematoencefálica (BHE). Os antibióticos com ótima penetração na BHE são: trimetoprim, sulfonamidas, metronidazol e cloranfenicol com penetração penetração intermediária são: oxacilinas, penicilinas, ceftriaxone, moxalactam, tetraciclinas e carbenicilina; e com pequena penetração são: aminoglicosídeos, cefalosporinas de primeira geração e clindamicina. É fundamental para a escolha do antibiótico mais adequado para cada caso conhecer características da barreira hematoencefálica, além de determinar a farmacocinética e farmacodinâmica dos antibióticos e seus principais agentes etiológicos. Percebe-se que na literatura veterinária há escassos relatos descrevendo aspectos de farmacocinética e farmacodinâmica nas espécies felina e canina, sendo necessária maior maior quantidade de estudos nesta área.

Although infections in the central nervous system are less common than infections in other organics systems, they can cause life-threatening consequences and are a challenge for small animal practitioners. Among the factors that make these infections difficult to treat are the fact that it is surrounded by the blood-brain barrier, that hinders penetration of many substances, and the difficulty of obtaining positive results when trying to isolate the causative agent through spinal tap. This article aims to describe the blood-brain barrier, the most common antimicrobials used to treat bacterial infections in the central nervous system and their main applications in small animal practice. In the veterinary literature, trimethoprim, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, and metronidazole are cited as antimicrobials with excellent penetration on the blood-brain barrier; oxacillin, penicillin's, ceftriaxone, moxalactam, tetracyclines and carbenicillin with intermediate penetration; and aminoglycosides, first-generation cephalosporins, and clindamycin with little penetration. It was concluded that knowing the blood-brain barrier characteristics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antimicrobial agents, along with the main etiological agents, are the key to choose the most appropriate antibiotic to be applied in each individual case. It is noticed that in the veterinary literature there are few reports describing aspects of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in feline and canine species, requiring more studies in this area.

Antibioticoterapia no tratamento de infecções bacterianas do sistema nervoso central de pequenos animais / Antibiotic therapy in the treatment of bacterial infectionsof the small animal central nervous system

Infecções no sistema nervoso central (SNC) são menos prevalentes do que em outros órgãos e o tratamento é desafiador. Entre os fatores que tornam o tratamento de infecções bacterianas complicado nesse tecido, destacam se o fato do mesmo ser envolto pela barreira hematoencefálica, além da dificuldade de obter resultados positivos ao tentar isolar o agente causador por meio de punção de líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR). Objetiva-se, nesse trabalho, documentar documentar os principais antibióticos utilizados para tratar infecções bacterianas no sistema nervoso central e a interação com a barreira hematoencefálica (BHE). Os antibióticos com ótima penetração na BHE são: trimetoprim, sulfonamidas, metronidazol e cloranfenicol com penetração penetração intermediária são: oxacilinas, penicilinas, ceftriaxone, moxalactam, tetraciclinas e carbenicilina; e com pequena penetração são: aminoglicosídeos, cefalosporinas de primeira geração e clindamicina. É fundamental para a escolha do antibiótico mais adequado para cada caso conhecer características da barreira hematoencefálica, além de determinar a farmacocinética e farmacodinâmica dos antibióticos e seus principais agentes etiológicos. Percebe-se que na literatura veterinária há escassos relatos descrevendo aspectos de farmacocinética e farmacodinâmica nas espécies felina e canina, sendo necessária maior maior quantidade de estudos nesta área.(AU)

Although infections in the central nervous system are less common than infections in other organics systems, they can cause life-threatening consequences and are a challenge for small animal practitioners. Among the factors that make these infections difficult to treat are the fact that it is surrounded by the blood-brain barrier, that hinders penetration of many substances, and the difficulty of obtaining positive results when trying to isolate the causative agent through spinal tap. This article aims to describe the blood-brain barrier, the most common antimicrobials used to treat bacterial infections in the central nervous system and their main applications in small animal practice. In the veterinary literature, trimethoprim, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, and metronidazole are cited as antimicrobials with excellent penetration on the blood-brain barrier; oxacillin, penicillin's, ceftriaxone, moxalactam, tetracyclines and carbenicillin with intermediate penetration; and aminoglycosides, first-generation cephalosporins, and clindamycin with little penetration. It was concluded that knowing the blood-brain barrier characteristics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antimicrobial agents, along with the main etiological agents, are the key to choose the most appropriate antibiotic to be applied in each individual case. It is noticed that in the veterinary literature there are few reports describing aspects of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in feline and canine species, requiring more studies in this area.(AU)

Effects of different concentrations of sodium azide and chloramphenicol on the preservation of raw milk samples / Efeitos de diferentes concentrações de azida sódica e cloranfenicol na preservação de amostras de leite cru

The preservation of milk samples for microbiological analyses by the Brazilian Network of Milk Quality Control Laboratories requires the addition of preservatives to maintain the microbiota from the time of sample collection to the moment of analysis. The number of microorganisms can change as a result of the active ingredients and concentration of the preservative, as well as due to interactions between the preservatives, incubation time, and packaging temperature. The objective of this research was to evaluate the conservation potential of different concentrations of sodium azide and chloramphenicol on the analytical shelf life of milk samples. Two farms were selected, one with a low bacterial count and one with a high bacterial count. The milk was dispensed into sterile vials and tested after the addition of the usual concentrations of sodium azide and chloramphenicol, doubled concentrations, tripled concentrations, and as a control, without preservatives. The samples were incubated at 3 ± 1 °C, 6 ± 1 °C, and 9 ± 1 °C for 14 days and analyzed daily for their bacterial count by flow cytometry. The tripled preservative concentrations improved conservation, increasing the timespan of the analytical viability of the samples without altering the results.(AU)

A conservação das amostras de leite destinadas para análises microbiológicas pela Rede Brasileira de Laboratórios de Controle da Qualidade do Leite requer adição de conservantes para a preservação da microbiota existente desde o momento da coleta até as análises. O número de microrganismos pode apresentar alterações decorrentes do princípio ativo e concentração do conservante, e ainda entre as interações conservante, tempo de incubação e temperatura de acondicionamento. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial de conservação de diferentes concentrações de azida sódica e cloranfenicol sobre a vida útil analítica de amostras de leite. Foram selecionadas duas fazendas, sendo uma com baixa contagem bacteriana e outra com alta contagem bacteriana. O leite foi fracionado em frascos estéreis e testado nas seguintes condições: pastilhas com a concentração usual de azida sódica e cloranfenicol, com dupla concentração, com tripla concentração e sem a adição do conservante. As amostras foram incubadas por quatorze dias a 3 ± 1 °C, 6 ± 1 °C e 9 ± 1 °C, e analisadas diariamente por citometria de fluxo para a determinação da contagem bacteriana. A tripla concentração do conservante demonstrou maior conservação, possibilitando o aumento da viabilidade analítica das amostras sem alteração nos resultados.(AU)